Hello there, I’m Chris, a Financial Planner at Forvis Mazars.

You might be surprised to learn that my job here is what many might call my first ‘real’ job. I was a professional squash player before I retired in 2019.

In the run up to my retirement I explored different career options, starting a clothing business and completing my AAT qualification but decided that accountancy and entrepreneurship wasn’t for me. While it was a great learning experience, I knew I had to find a career that I would enjoy doing for the next thirty years while remaining mindful of my primary responsibilities – a young family and a mortgage.

A friend suggested my skills might suit a career in financial planning, a field that requires analytical skills and client interaction, which resonated with me immediately. I was offered a position on the trainee scheme at here; it was well structured and exceeded my expectations.

Intrapreneurship is actively encouraged here, and I’m currently receiving support from Partners, including my mentor Carl, to develop a sports proposition for the firm. It’s an interesting space for me because I know first-hand that the short career span of a professional athlete adds a layer of complexity into one’s long-term financial plans. The fact that Forvis Mazars is supporting me to bring my passions of sport, entrepreneurship and financial planning together is fantastic.

Making the decision to change careers later in life can be difficult. However, it’s important to do something you love so I would encourage anyone that hasn’t found their passion to really consider what it is you are interested in and be brave to make a switch if it feels right. Whilst it was a definite game changer going from the squash court to an office, I’m glad I found a company that was so supportive of my career transition and continues to give me fantastic growth opportunities.